Tough Battles in New Brunswick

Mariners go 1-2 at the 2025 CCAA national championships; Harriette Mackenzie named tournament all-star

VIU forward drives against a MSVU Mystics defender at the 2025 CCAA Women's Basketball National Championshi
VIU forward drives against a MSVU Mystics defender at the 2025 CCAA Women's Basketball National Championship. Photo: SRM Photography
March 14, 2025

FREDERICTON, N.B. - VIU finished in the 5/6 spot at the 2025 CCAA Women's Basketball National Championship.

After a slow start in the quarterfinals led to a loss to Mohawk College, the Mariners rebounded for a victory over the MSVU Mystics before dropping a bronze semifinal matchup with the SAIT Trojans.

The Mariners finished the season with a 24-3 record: 21-1 in the regular season and 3-2 in the postseason.  

Tournament Photos - SmugMug

Game Recaps courtesy the CCAA / St. Thomas Tommies

Quarterfinal: Mohawk Mountaineers 62 - VIU Mariners 57

VIU Mariners vs Mohawk Mountaineers women's basketball
Makayla Kimble wrestles for possession against the Mohawk Mountaineers. Photo: SRM Photography

The Mohawk Mountaineers started strong and held on late to secure a 62-57 victory over the VIU Mariners in the opening game of the 2025 CCAA Women's Basketball National Championship at the Currie Center.

Mohawk set the tone early, building a 35-27 lead at halftime. VIU fought back in the third quarter, led by Harriette Mackenzie, who finished with 20 points, helping the Mariners close the gap.

However, Angong Jacob took over for Mohawk, dropping 26 points, including four three-pointers, to earn Player of the Game honors and seal the win for the Mountaineers.

Top Performers (Box Score)

  • Harriette Mackenzie: 20 points, 17 rebounds, 3 blocks
  • Mackenzie Cox: 7 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals

Bronze Quarterfinal: VIU Mariners 67 - MSVU Mystics 52

VIU Mariners vs MSVU Mystics women's basketball
Mariners guard Mackenzie Cox goes up for a shot between three MSVU defenders. Photo: SRM Photography

The VIU Mariners started strong and held off a late push from MSVU to claim their first win of the CCAA Women's Basketball Nationals, 67-52, in the opening game of Day 2.

VIU set the tone early, jumping out to a 15-3 lead in the first minutes and maintaining control with a 39-30 advantage at halftime. MSVU responded with a strong third quarter, cutting into the deficit, but the Mariners stayed composed and pulled away down the stretch to secure the victory.

Players of the Game were Harriette Mackenzie (VIU) and Victoria Strickland (MSVU).

Top Performers (Box Score)

  • Harriette Mackenzie: 23 points, 16 rebounds
  • Mackenzie Cox: 15 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals

Bronze Semifinal: SAIT Trojans 82 - VIU Mariners 71

VIU Mariners vs SAIT Trojans women's basketball
VIU forward Mackenzie Hall sets up to launch a three-pointer against the SAIT Trojans. Photo: SRM Photography

In a back-and-forth battle, the SAIT Trojans stormed back in the fourth quarter to defeat VIU 82-71 and advance to the CCAA bronze medal match.
 
The game was tight from the start, with SAIT taking a narrow 18-17 lead after the first quarter. VIU responded with a big second quarter, scoring 25 points to grab a 42-36 lead at halftime.
 
SAIT turned up the intensity in the second half, led by Macy Mulholland, who was 7-for-9 from the field and earned Player of the Game honors. The Trojans dominated the final frame, dropping 30 points in the fourth to take control and seal the win.
 
Players of the Game Macy Mulholland (SAIT Trojans) and Harriette Mackenzie (VIU Mariners).

Top Performers (Box Score)

  • Harriette Mackenzie: 24 points, 15 rebounds
  • Makayla Kimble: 11 points, 4 assists, 1 steal
Mackenzie named CCAA Tournament All-Star
 
Harriette Mackenzie - CCAA Tournament All-Star

 Harriette Mackenzie had an outstading tournament for VIU. She led the Mariners in scoring and earned a double-double and was named VIU's Player of the Game in each game.